GREENPORT—Columbia-Greene Community College’s Nursing Department recently donated several cases of personal protective equipment (PPE) to Columbia Memorial Health.
The gowns and masks were given to the hospital as part of a national effort to supply front-line medical staff with these items, which have fallen into short supply as the Covid-19 pandemic reaches a fever pitch world-wide.
“We packed up everything we could in our lab and filled a trunk with boxes. CMH has been an extraordinary supporter of C-GCC’s Nursing program, and we will do anything we can to help them,” Dawn Wrigley, C-GCC professor of nursing and department chairperson, said in a press release.
“We’re very grateful to President Drummer and the entire Columbia-Greene Community College team for their donation of protective gear. It will be put to good use by our staff. We came into this crisis confident that CMH would be there for our community.
“What’s humbled and strengthened us is how much our community has been there for us. We extend our profound thanks to C-GCC and to every person and organization that has extended a hand to the CMH team,” Jay P. Cahalan, president and CEO of CMH, said in the release.
To make a PPE donation call Barbara Klassen, executive director of the Columbia Memorial Health Foundation at 518-828-8362 or visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/helpnownyc/give-help/donate.page
Alzheimer’s Association offers free virtual education classes
ALBANY—While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, the novel coronavirus presents unique challenges for more than 5 million Americans, including 410,000 in New York, living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, according to a press release from the association.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York chapter is offering free virtual education programs in the coming weeks to help all local caregivers throughout our 17-county area. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a number of education programs that can help those living with Alzheimer’s and their families understand what to expect so they can be prepared to meet the changes ahead and live well for as long as possible.
“During this challenging time, it’s critical that all New York caregivers have access to Alzheimer’s Association resources even if they cannot venture out,” said Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York Executive Director Beth Smith-Boivin. “The COVID-19 crisis is altering Americans’ daily lives, but the needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers cannot be put on hold. These online programs allow us to connect with caregivers and provide necessary information even amid the current crisis,” she said.
Each virtual education program is approximately one hour and allows the audience to ask questions and engage with others going through the journey online.
Upcoming virtual education programs include:
*Understanding Dementia Related Behaviors: April 15 at 11 a.m.
*Coronavirus (Covid 19) Tips for Dementia Caregivers: April 16 at 11 a.m.; April 22 at 4 p.m.
*Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: April 16 at 3 p.m.; April 23 at 2 p.m.
*Recognizing and Coping with Caregiver Stress: April 17 at 10 a.m.; April 27 at 4 p.m.
*Living with Alzheimer’s: Younger Onset: April 21 at 2 p.m.
*Dementia Conversations: April 23 at 2:30 p.m.
*10 Signs of Alzheimer’s: April 29 at 2 p.m.
*Effective Communication Strategies: April 30 at 3 p.m.
*Meaningful Engagement, Activities at Home: April 14 at 4 p.m.; April 24 at 12:30 p.m.; April 28 at 10 a.m.
For a complete list of upcoming programs or to register for a program visit alz.org/crf.
In addition to the virtual education classes, the Alzheimer’s Association offers online community resources at alz.org including ALZConnected®, a free online community where people living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, family and friends can ask questions, get advice and find support.
More than 16 million family and friends, including more than 1 million in New York provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the United States. To help family caregivers navigate the current complex and quickly changing environment, the Alzheimer’s Association has also offered additional guidance to families at alz.org/COVID19.
The Alzheimer’s Association free, 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) offers around-the-clock support for caregivers and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and all dementia.
